Publication

Abstract : In this study, experimental investigation is carried out on the performance and emission characteristics of diesel-methanol fuel blends with pilot injection. A single cylinder, four stroke, air cooled diesel engine is used for the study. The various methanol blend percentage by volume used in the engine are 5% and 10% in diesel. The engine is maintained at a constant speed of 2300 rpm with variable load conditions. Performance and emission parameters are observed on the engine using pilot injection and main injection strategy by preheating the intake air at the intake manifold. The methanol-diesel fuel blend is prepared by using mechanical stirring technique. The performance and emission characteristics are observed and compared with the base line diesel. It is observed that the brake thermal efficiency is increased for both the blends at higher load conditions when 10% pilot injection is used. A reduction in BSFC is also noticed for M5 and M10 blends. The emission parameters such as smoke, CO and HC are reduced when compared to baseline diesel. © BEIESP.